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Science News for June 21, 2018


MIT scientists discover fundamental rule of brain plasticity

Researchers found that when one synapse strengthens, neighboring synapses weaken due to the action of a crucial protein called Arc. This balance is essential for maintaining healthy neural activity and function. The discovery provides new insights into how brain plasticity works in complex systems.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

Einstein proved right in another galaxy

An international team confirms Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity by making the most precise test of gravity outside our solar system. By combining data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, the researchers found that gravity behaves as predicted by GR on galactic s...

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Six new species of goblin spiders named after famous goblins and brownies

Scientists discover six new goblin spider species in Sri Lanka, shedding light on the country's remarkable biodiversity. The spiders are named after famous fictional characters from Enid Blyton's books and are found to be highly endemic, with some species only present at a single forest patch.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalEvolutionary Systematics·DateJun 21, 2018

New study suggests viral connection to Alzheimer's disease

A new study implicates viral presence in the brain as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found high levels of human herpesvirus 6A and 7 in brain samples from individuals with AD neuropathology, suggesting potential triggers and targets for treatment.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2018

Many wildlife-vehicle collisions preventable

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that many wildlife-vehicle collisions in Ontario can be prevented with cost-effective strategies. The study recommends integrating effective measures into wildlife conflict zones during major road work, which could save millions in taxpayer money and insurance costs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Environmental Planning and Management·DateJun 21, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

An emerging drug discovery approach to combat cancer

Recent advances in cancer research focus on inhibiting key enzymes in glycolysis and glutaminolysis pathways to slow cancer cell proliferation. Several inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials, offering a promising new approach to combat cancer.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Topics in Medicinal Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2018

Watch: Insects also migrate using the Earth's magnetic field

Researchers at Lund University found that certain nocturnally migrating insects can explore and navigate using the Earth's magnetic field. The study used a flight simulator with a system of magnetic coils to investigate how the Bogong moth knows in which direction to fly, revealing its use of both visual landmarks and the magnetic field.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

Hitchhiking to kill

Researchers developed a method to conjugate the cancer therapeutic floxuridine with natural serum albumin, allowing it to target and accumulate in cancer cells. The lipid-conjugated compound halted tumor growth, while the free drug was ineffective.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 21, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Probiotics can protect the skeletons of older women

Researchers have found that probiotics can significantly reduce bone loss in older women, halving the rate of bone degeneration compared to those who received a placebo. This discovery has important implications for preventing fractures among the elderly and may offer a new preventive treatment for osteoporosis.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJun 21, 2018

Garden seed diet for threatened turtle doves has negative impact

A study by University of Lincoln found that young turtle doves fed on seeds from non-cultivated arable plants outsurvived those relying on human-provided seeds. The research suggests conservation strategies should include providing anthropogenic seeds for adults early in the breeding season.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 21, 2018

Template to create superatoms, created by VCU researchers, could make for better batteries

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have created a new approach to synthesize metal-based superatoms that can effectively move charges while maintaining structural stability. This innovation could lead to the development of more efficient batteries and better semiconductors, essential components of computerized devices.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Scripps Research study provides new clues to improving chemotherapies

Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which bacteria protect themselves from toxic substances, providing new clues for improving chemotherapies. The study reveals that three genes encode proteins that bind to toxins, keeping them separate from the rest of the organism.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

Water can be very dead, electrically speaking

A recent study published in Science reveals that atomically thin layers of water near solid surfaces exhibit no electric response, with a thickness of less than one nanometer. This finding has significant implications for understanding the role of water in biological molecules, proteins, and technological processes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Solar tower exposes materials to intense heat to test thermal response

The Sandia National Laboratories' solar tower facility is conducting a year-round test of the thermal response of various materials to intense heat and cooling. Researchers are using this setup to evaluate material durability for the Air Force, with the goal of establishing material response thresholds after exposure.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 21, 2018

Deep data dive helps predict cerebral palsy

A recent study published in BMC Bioinformatics has found that DNA methylation patterns in circulating blood cells can help identify children with spastic cerebral palsy. The researchers used next-generation sequencing data to analyze these patterns and identified distinct markers that distinguish children with CP from those without it.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·DateJun 21, 2018

Ketamine acts fast to treat depression and its effects last -- but how?

Researchers found ketamine's rapid antidepressant effect is linked to the fast release of G proteins from membrane patches. This allows for better communication among brain cells, alleviating depressive symptoms. The long-lasting effects may be due to slow G protein re-entry into lipid rafts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 21, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New cellular pathway helps explain how inflammation leads to artery disease

Researchers have identified a new cellular pathway that may help explain how arterial inflammation develops into atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and stroke. The findings suggest that blocking interleukin-1 beta production could enhance niacin therapy and improve therapies for atherosclerosis.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 21, 2018

Starving fungi could save millions of lives each year

Researchers have identified a potentially new approach to treating lethal fungal infections by starving the fungi of essential nutrients. The team found that blocking the phosphate starvation response prevents the spread of infection in mice, offering a novel treatment avenue for patients with weakened immune systems.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 21, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Hundreds of thousands of genomes shed light on psychiatric disorders

The study analyzed over 900,000 genomes to identify genetic overlap among psychiatric diseases and personality traits. Schizophrenia was found to correlate with most psychiatric disorders, while anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder demonstrated significant overlap.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

Accurate measurements of sodium intake confirm relationship with mortality

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital confirms the relationship between sodium intake and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The research suggests that an imprecise evaluation of sodium intake may have contributed to paradoxical results in previous studies, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement methods.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 21, 2018

Fish's use of electricity might shed light on human illnesses

Scientists have discovered that fish use brief electrical pulses to communicate without being detected by predators. This adaptation may hold clues for treatments of conditions such as epilepsy and cardiac diseases. The research also provides insights into the genetic basis of unique abilities in animals.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

Beyond conventional solution-process for 2-D heterostructure

Scientists have developed a new method to grow organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite nanocrystals on metal sulfide nanosheets using a wet-chemical process, enabling scalable production of solution-processible heterostructures. This approach improves light absorption and energy transfer in optoelectronic devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJun 21, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Fright and flight: Deciding when to escape

Researchers have discovered a subcellular mechanism by which the brain classifies threat levels and decides when to escape, involving connections between two brain regions. The 'threshold computation' process is weak and unreliable, but becomes sufficient when threat levels rise, enabling animals to make instinctive decisions.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2018

How do horses read human emotional cues?

Researchers found that horses can read human emotional cues through facial expressions and voice tones, regardless of familiarity. They used the expectancy violation method to investigate this phenomenon and observed significant responses in both familiar and unfamiliar settings.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 21, 2018

Waking up is hard to do: Prefrontal cortex implicated in consciousness

A novel study by Michigan Medicine researchers suggests that the prefrontal cortex has a crucial switchboard-like relationship with other brain areas, helping to ignite awareness of visual information. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating individuals with disorders of consciousness, such as coma or vegetative states.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

How competition and cooperation between bacteria shape antibiotic resistance

New computational simulations suggest that antibiotic treatment can suppress resistant species via attack on sensitive partner species in mutualistic relationships, and spatial arrangement influences cross-protection. The study found that competing species are more susceptible to suppression than mutually interacting species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 21, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Writing away the body image blues

Researchers at Northwestern University found that writing exercises focused on self-compassion and gratitude for the body can significantly increase women's body satisfaction. The study, which involved over 1,000 college women, showed that these types of letters can be a positive step towards improving body image.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateJun 21, 2018

Old star clusters could have been the birthplace of supermassive stars

A team of astrophysicists propose a new model for the formation of globular clusters and supermassive stars. They suggest that a runaway collision process between densely packed stars in globular clusters could form a supermassive star, explaining the unusual chemical elements found in these clusters.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 21, 2018

Study suggests bias for sons remains among second-generation women of South Asian descent

Researchers found a skewed ratio of male-to-female babies born to second-generation mothers of South Asian descent, similar to earlier findings in first-generation mothers. However, this study suggests that second-generation mothers may be less likely to undergo abortion, leading to the persistence of son preference.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJun 21, 2018

Not junk: 'Jumping gene' is critical for early embryo

A new study in mice reveals that a 'jumping gene' plays a critical role in the first stages of embryonic development. High levels of LINE1 RNA expression are necessary to regulate gene activity and enable embryos to progress past the two-cell phase.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateJun 21, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Human immune 'trigger' map paves way for better treatments

A research team at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute identified the molecular trigger for necroptosis, a type of controlled cell death that can lead to diseases like stroke, organ transplant injury, and kidney disease. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating cancer and immune disorders.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Researchers engineer bacteria to exhibit stochastic Turing patterns

Scientists have developed a new method to study pattern formation in living systems by engineering bacteria to exhibit stochastic Turing patterns. These random patterns can be stabilized by noise, providing a potential explanation for the emergence of complex structures in biological organisms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2018

Police killings of unarmed black Americans affect mental health of black community

A new study published in The Lancet found that police killings of unarmed black Americans are associated with worse mental health among other black Americans. Researchers surveyed nearly 40,000 black Americans and estimated that these deaths contribute to 1.7 additional poor mental health days per person every year.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 21, 2018

Sticklebacks infected with parasites influence behavior of healthy fish

A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that tapeworms increase the tendency of three-spined sticklebacks to venture into open waters and exhibit risk-friendly behavior. Healthy fish in groups with infected members imitate their changed behavior, while infected fish do not take cues from cautious behavior in healthy fish.

SourceUniversity of Münster·DateJun 21, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

'Antifreeze' molecules may stop and reverse damage from brain injuries

A new study reveals that N-acetylaspartate (NAA) molecules can inhibit the clumping of amyloid-beta proteins, which are associated with cognitive decline and neurological problems. By restoring NAA levels after head trauma or in neurological diseases, it may be possible to block the progression of amyloid pathologies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJun 21, 2018

New study debunks Dale Carnegie advice to 'put yourself in their shoes'

Researchers debunked the idea that taking someone else's perspective can help understand their thoughts and feelings. A new study published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that direct conversation is a more accurate way to gain insight into others.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 21, 2018

Zebrafish's near 360 degree UV-vision knocks stripes off Google Street View

Researchers discovered that zebrafish use a near-360 degree view to detect threatening silhouettes in black-and-white and seek out food by detecting UV light scattering. Their unique four-color vision system is unlike any other vertebrate, with half of their neurons dedicated to eyes that are substantial metabolic investments.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Cells stop dividing when this gene kicks into high gear, study finds

Researchers discovered that gene CD36 is unusually active in older cells, causing them to stop dividing. This effect can spread to nearby cells, leading to senescence. The study highlights the importance of understanding cellular aging and its implications for age-related diseases and cancer.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular Omics·DateJun 21, 2018

Cross-species prion adaptation depends on prion replication environment

New research found that replication under low RNA conditions alters disease features when transmitted back to hamsters, suggesting that RNA levels during replication influence prion adaptation. This study's findings may improve understanding of cross-species prion transmission and disease in mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 21, 2018

US methane emissions greater than thought, in recent years?

Researchers estimate US methane emissions from oil and gas supply chains are greater than thought, with emissions in 2015 about 60% higher than EPA estimates. The discrepancy is likely due to existing inventory methods not capturing abnormal operating conditions like malfunctions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

Artificial vision enables solar field calibration overnight

Researchers have developed a prototype for calibrating an entire solar field in a single night, shaving months off the current process. The innovation integrates digital cameras into heliostats to achieve pixel point accuracy, enabling precise calibration and reducing costs per square meter.

SourceSolarPACES·DateJun 21, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Crisis can force re-evaluation and derail efforts to reach goals

A research team led by Iowa State University's José Rosa found that setbacks can prompt people to reassess the cost-benefits of their health-related goals, potentially leading to quitting. The study's findings suggest that targeted interventions can help patients shift their mindset from renegotiation back to implementation.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateJun 21, 2018

Higher body fat linked to lower breast cancer risk in younger women

A large-scale study found that higher body fat is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 758,000 women under the age of 55 and found that as BMI increased, breast cancer risk decreased, particularly among younger women.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 21, 2018

Opening up a drug delivery route -- Discovery of a new vehicle peptide

A new vehicle peptide has been identified for delivering therapeutically effective peptides to cancer cells. The peptide, termed peptide 1, mimics the dimerization arm of the EGF receptor, which is involved in cellular signal transductions and cancer progression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New guide for using mechanical stimulation to improve tissue-engineered cartilage

A new guide provides comprehensive overview of mechanical stimulation techniques for enhancing tissue-engineered articular cartilage. The review highlights the effects of various loading parameters on AC properties, including direct compression, hydrostatic pressure, shear, and tensile loading.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTissue Engineering·DateJun 21, 2018

The lady's ape: Extinct gibbon discovered in royal ancient Chinese tomb

A new genus and species of gibbon has been identified in an ancient Chinese noble-woman's tomb, revealing a previously unknown extinct population of apes in eastern Asia. The findings suggest that human activity may have contributed to the gibbon's extinction.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

California Aedes mosquitoes capable of spreading Zika

Researchers have found that invasive Aedes mosquitoes in California are capable of transmitting the Zika virus, a significant global health threat. The study involved infecting various mosquito species with three different strains of ZIKV and found that up to 90% of infected Aedes mosquitoes transmitted the virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 21, 2018

Nearly 80 exoplanet candidates identified in record time

Scientists at MIT have discovered nearly 80 new planetary candidates in the K2 dataset, including a likely planet that orbits HD 73344 every 15 days. The planet is estimated to be 2.5 times the size of Earth and 10 times as massive, with surface temperatures reaching 1,200-1,300 degrees Celsius.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 21, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Enhanced detection of nuclear events, thanks to deep learning

Scientists at PNNL have developed a deep neural network that accurately detects nuclear events with high accuracy, often exceeding human expert's performance. The network was trained on 32,000 pulses and achieved impressive results, correctly identifying 99.9% of signals with minimal noise.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 21, 2018

When fluid flows almost as fast as light -- with quantum rotation

A team of scientists presents a new model explaining the effects of quantum spin on relativistic flows of quark-gluon plasma, which can flow at speeds close to light. The model considers the conservation of momentum and takes into account the spin polarization of particles.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review C·DateJun 21, 2018

Researchers uncover new target to stop cancer growth

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a protein called Munc13-4 that helps cancer cells secrete exosomes, stimulating tumor growth. Exosome release is dependent on calcium levels and can transfer oncogenes to neighboring cells, contributing to tumor progression.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

Bisexual men have higher risk for heart disease

A new study published in LGBT Health found that bisexual men have a higher risk for heart disease compared to heterosexual men, with increased rates of mental distress, obesity, and elevated blood pressure. Researchers highlight the importance of tailored screening and prevention strategies to reduce heart disease risk in bisexual men.

SourceNew York University·JournalLGBT Health·DateJun 21, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Northwestern researchers achieve unprecedented control of polymer grids

Researchers have developed a two-step process to produce high-quality covalent organic frameworks with crystalline structures, enabling precise control over material properties. These materials have promising potential for water purification, solar energy storage and body armor applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

Bedrock in West Antarctica rising at surprisingly rapid rate

A new study reveals that bedrock in West Antarctica is rising at an unexpectedly fast rate, potentially increasing the stability of the ice sheet against catastrophic collapse. This rapid uplift may be due to a hotter and more fluid mantle beneath the area.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Unusually high levels of herpesviruses found in the Alzheimer's disease brain

Research found that human herpesvirus 6A and 7 are present in Alzheimer's brains at higher levels than in those without the disease. The study identified previously unknown gene networks that could reveal novel targets for new drugs, and may help prevent or arrest the progression of the disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Prop. 47 lessened racial disparities in drug arrests

A study from UC San Francisco found that Prop. 47 reduced felony drug arrests by nearly 75% across California, with a significant decline in racial disparities. The measure also led to a decrease in misdemeanor drug citations and overall drug arrests.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 21, 2018

Common psychiatric disorders share an overlapping genetic risk

Researchers found substantial overlaps in genetic risk for psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. In contrast, neurological disorders showed limited evidence of common genetic risk factors, suggesting greater diagnostic specificity.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

Medicaid Expansion increased low-income patient access to kidney transplants

A new study found that Medicaid expansion increased the number of chronic kidney disease patients with Medicaid coverage who were placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. States that expanded Medicaid saw a significant boost in Medicaid-covered preemptive listings, especially among racial and ethnic minority patients.

SourceDrexel University·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 21, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Fat cells control fat cell growth

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered a new type of regulatory fat cell called Aregs that inhibits the formation of new fat cells. This discovery opens up promising avenues for future therapies to protect obese people from diabetes and other secondary illnesses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

One year of school comes with an IQ bump, meta-analysis shows

A meta-analysis of 42 studies found that an additional year of education correlates with an average increase of 3.394 IQ points, with effects lasting even into adulthood. The study's findings suggest that education has a long-lasting impact on intelligence, regardless of age.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 21, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Novel therapy makes oxidative stress deadly to cancer

Scientists have developed a novel therapy that reprograms the metabolism of tumor cells, increasing their level of reactive oxygen species and leading to death. By pushing oxidative stress levels to the point where cancer cells become deadly, this treatment shows promise in treating various types of cancer.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 21, 2018

Coining less expensive currency: bringing down the cost of making nickels

Researchers at NIST have developed a new material for making nickels that is 40% less expensive to produce, reducing the cost of materials from seven cents to five cents per coin. The new design uses an integrated computational materials engineering framework and advanced alloys to achieve this cost reduction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIntegrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation·DateJun 21, 2018

UBC researchers create matchmaking service

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a matchmaking service to pair peptides with antibiotics, increasing treatment success rates against antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Seven combinations were identified that worked better than antibiotics alone, offering up to a 100-fold improvement.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 21, 2018

UC Davis to lead national cow genomics effort

The University of California, Davis, is leading a $2.5 million USDA-funded project to develop a cow genomics program. This initiative aims to unlock the secrets of the bovine genome, enabling more efficient genetic selection for improved growth and disease resistance in cattle.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJun 21, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

A quick rebound of Antarctic crust promotes ice-sheet stability

A rapid rebound of Antarctic crust may help stabilize the West Antarctic Ice Sheet against catastrophic collapse. The Amundsen Sea Embayment is experiencing an uplift rate of 41 millimeters annually, which could delay collapse events under strong climate forcing.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

Army study quantifies changes in stress after meditation

Researchers developed a new data processing technique to monitor brain state using heart rate variability, revealing that yoga is more effective than Chi meditation in reducing stress. The study also found that long-term meditation practice can make permanent changes and improve executive control.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJun 21, 2018

Envisioning a future where all the trees in Europe disappear

A regional climate model found that deforestation could lead to a slight annual cooling overall, but with big differences locally. Northern and eastern Europe cooled while western and central Europe warmed. Deforestation also increased summer temperature extremes.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 21, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Synthetic peptides enhance antibiotic attack of skin infections in mice

Researchers found that combining antibiotics with synthetic peptides can significantly reduce the number of infecting bacteria and the size of abscesses in mouse models. The peptides disrupt the bacterial response to stressors like antibiotics, amplifying their uptake and increasing treatment efficacy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 21, 2018

Using fragment-based approaches to discover new antibiotics

Fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD) increases the chances of finding hit compounds and delivers results without high-throughput screening investment. FBLD starts by identifying low molecular weight fragments that bind to protein targets, then grows them into potent drug candidates.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateJun 21, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

The psychobiology of online gaming

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that healthy gaming experiences are linked to favorable gene expression profiles. The research, led by Dr. Jeffrey Snodgrass, highlights the importance of social connectedness in mitigating negative effects of online gaming.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

A mechanism behind choosing alcohol over healthy rewards is found

Researchers found that rats who chose alcohol showed similarities to human alcohol addiction diagnostic criteria, including continued use despite negative consequences. The study identified a gene expression change in the amygdala region of the brain as key to understanding this behavior.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

Crowding inside cells may influence many functions and major diseases

Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that mTORC1 regulates cell crowding, which can cause proteins to solidify and interfere with cellular functions. The study suggests that malfunctioning mTORC1 may contribute to the development of aging diseases.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJun 21, 2018

New funding to UC Riverside to significantly boost cancer, ALS research

Professor Maurizio Pellecchia has received $2.5 million in funding from the National Academy of Sciences and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to study the EphA3 receptor's role in cancer and ALS. His research aims to develop therapeutic agents that target this receptor, which is overexpressed in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 21, 2018

Improved CPR training could save more lives, research finds

Research suggests that standardized online and in-person courses are falling short and need improvement to optimize retention and mastery. The American Heart Association recommends adopting best practices in education, such as mastery learning, spaced practice, and feedback, to enhance CPR skills.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJun 21, 2018

Penn geneticist receives 2018 Gotto Prize

Dr. Daniel J. Rader, a renowned expert in heart disease prevention and treatment, has received the 2018 Gotto Prize for his pioneering work on lipoprotein metabolism. His research has significantly impacted current strategies to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 21, 2018

First ancient syphilis genomes decoded

Researchers have recovered ancient syphilis genomes from skeletal remains in Mexico, distinguishing between the subspecies that cause syphilis and yaws. The findings shed new light on the evolutionary history of syphilis, suggesting a complex history that challenges previous hypotheses.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 21, 2018

Psychiatric disorders share an underlying genetic basis

A new study found that psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have similar genetic patterns, which may not be reflected in current diagnostic categories. The research suggests that a single mechanism regulating concentration could drive both ADHD and schizophrenia.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

'Exam Roulette' could quell essay-induced anxiety

A new assessment called Exam Roulette uses a game of chance to increase student preparation and motivation for essay tests. Students can preview potential questions, ask clarifying questions, but not receive specific content information, reducing anxiety and stress.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateJun 21, 2018

Exposure to fracking chemicals and wastewater spurs fat cell development

Researchers found that exposure to fracking chemicals and wastewater at diluted concentrations spurred fat cell development, with effects seen even when samples were diluted 1,000-fold. The study used laboratory models and observed significant increases in fat cell proliferation and lipid accumulation.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 21, 2018